Results

Christmas is full of customs and traditions, both old and new. This is especially evident in Christmas songs, some of which have been part of Christian worship for centuries. A Medieval Christmas combines three ancient melodies that are still popular around the world today. Philip Sparke chose Gaudete, a song of praise from the middle ages, Coventry Carol, an English song from the 14th century, and In dulci jubilo, which can also be traced back to the 14th century, to form this joyous suite.

Christmas is full of customs and traditions, both old and new. This is especially evident in Christmas songs, some of which have been part of Christian worship for centuries. A Medieval Christmas combines three ancient melodies that are still popular around the world today. Philip Sparke chose Gaudete, a song of praise from the middle ages, Coventry Carol, an English song from the 14th century, and In dulci jubilo, which can also be traced back to the 14th century, to form this joyous suite. 06:40

Medium. A Medieval Christmas combines three ancient melodies that are still popular around the world today. Philip Sparke chose Gaudete, a song of praise from the middle ages, Coventry Carol, an English song from the 14th century and In dulci jubilo, which can also be traced back to the 14th century, to form this joyous suite. AMP324-030

Rondeau of the Shepherds," so ran the official title of the famous Dutch Christmas carol 'Midden in de winternacht'. In 1948 wrote Dutch poet and writer Harry Prenen this text. The melody is known by the 17th/18th- century organ composers of suites Daquin, Balbastre and Dandrieu. "Rondeau of the Shepherds" was subtitled "Catalan Christmas Carol". The song itself is because its origins in a Spanish (Catalan probably) Christmas song from the late Middle Ages, "El Desembre congelat. The motives of this song (shepherds, flutes, drums) demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and give a picture of the late medieval Christmas experience. . Perfect as an uptempo intermezzo in a church service.

An effective opener to any Christmas concert, based on the French carol, 'Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella'. It tells the story of a group of children in medieval Provence, dressed up as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles as they proceed to the stable. As they draw closer and their excitement increases, they are constantly reminded by their parents to keep the noise down so that they don't wake up the baby Jesus. The music begins quietly and builds to a majestic conclusion.'If I were still conducting bands regularly, this would certainly be on my list as a Christmas concert opener - it sets the energy and mood most effectively. The scoring is terrific.' Paul Hindmarsh, British Bandsman magazine

Soprano Cornet Solo with Brass BandGaudete is a sacred Christmas carol, which is thought to have been composed in the 16th century, but could easily have existed as a monophonic hymn in the late medieval period. Within the lyrics, there are references to Christ, Virgin Mary, Grace, Ezekiel and Salvation.This arrangement takes the striking tune and re-works it for Soprano Cornet and band, transforming the melody in places, whilst also keeping that familiar tune in its original form. Gaudete was recorded by Steve Stewart & Cory Band in 2016, featuring on its album 'A Festival of Fanfares & Carols'.

For Soprano Cornet & Brass Band, Commissioned by & Written for Steve Stewart & Cory BandGaudete is a sacred Christmas carol, which is thought to have been composed in the 16th century, but could easily have existed as a monophonic hymn in the late medieval period. Within the lyrics, there are references to Christ, Virgin Mary, Grace, Ezekiel and Salvation. This arrangement takes the striking tune and re-works it for Soprano Cornet and band, transforming the melody in places, whilst also keeping that familiar tune in its original form. Gaudete was recorded by Steve Stewart & Cory Band in 2016, featuring on its album 'A Festival of Fanfares & Carols'.

DescriptionCoventry Carol is a traditional English Christmas carol dating back to at least the sixteenth century, where it formed part of the Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, one of the Coventry mystery plays. The plays themselves date back to at least 1392, but the earliest surviving record of the music is in a manuscript writen in 1534. Religious suppression put a stop to the plays by the end of the sixteenth century, but the manuscript recording the Coventry Carol survived and was published in 1817 as part of a revival of interest in the medieval and renaissance periods. The carol refers to the 'Massacre of the Innocents' from chapter two of the Gospel of Matthew, in which Herod orders the massacre of all Hebrew children under the age of two.This arrangement was first performed by the Blackley Band conducted by Andrew Baker in 2004.To view a PDF preview of the full score click here.Duration approximately 3'05".Playable by all standards of band.

Explore different settings of the Medieval Latin carol "In Dulci Jubilo" via this solid arrangement by James Curnow. Opening with an exquisite "Brass Choir" section a la Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) and progressing through a "Woodwind Choir" section in the later J.S.Bach style, WITH SWEET JUBILATION is wonderful "style study" material. The grace of the early masters and the clearly focused unifying concept of the arrangement by James Curnow combine to make this addition to the Curnow Music Press "Splendor of Christmas Series" a wonderful holiday experience for the young band.